Tail docking is the surgical removal of part of the tail which is performed on healthy puppies between 2-5 days old. An older dog can have a tail dock but it would be considered a tail amputation.
The amount of tail to be taken off depends on the standard for that breed.
The surgery then begins with an incision made through the skin and in between two vertebrae or through cartilage, depending on the age of the dog. The tail is then removed and the incision is sutured closed over the remaining vertebra and tail tissue.
Sutures may need to be removed in 5-7 days unless absorbable sutures are used. Older dogs will need a temporary bandage which can be removed in 2-3 days.
